Fempower Health | A Women's Health Podcast

Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a practicing gynecologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide, speaks with Fempower Health on the following about common symptoms of perimenopause and menopause:What are the stages of perimenopause and menopause?How to know if you are in perimenopause or have another underlying condition?Which are the common symptoms of perimenopause?What are the treatments for common symptoms?Is it normal to bleed when you are in menopause?How to find a menopause expert?“Not all OB GYNs want to or are trained to or at the stages of their careers where they are seeing so many menopausal patients. My field has split into obstetrics and gynecology and surgery and sexual health and menopause experts are almost sub-specialists.” - Dr Alyssa DweckResources:Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter How to Find the right doctor **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!More about Dr. Alyssa DweckDr. Alyssa Dweck is a practicing gynecologist and the Chief Medical Officer of Bonafide. She is an Ob/Gyn for over 25 years with a special interest in menopausal health and training in female sexual health. Dr. Dweck is the co-author of three books - including The Complete A to Z for V - and has appeared on The Today Show and Good Day LA. She contributes regularly to multiple prints and online media outlets. She has been voted “Top Doctor” in New York Magazine and Westchester Magazine.When she’s not helping women improve their health, Dr. Dweck enjoys time with her husband, two sons, and “girly” English Bulldog. She is an avid runner and sports car enthusiast.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Pelvic floor muscles play an important role in our bodies, and we may not realize how important until we have incontinence, pain, and/or prolapse. A common concern is the root cause of a dysfunction might not be properly addressed causing issues down the line such as the need for surgery or repeat surgery.Kim Vopni, author of Your Pelvic Floor, is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach.She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.Kim speaks with Fempower Health on the following about pelvic floor health and surgery:Which are the 3 types of pelvic floor dysfunctions?What are the signs of a weak pelvic floor and how do you fix pelvic floor dysfunction?What are pelvic floor dysfunction treatment options and which pelvic floor dysfunctions might require surgery?How do you optimize pelvic floor surgery recovery time and outcomes?How successful is pelvic prolapse surgery, and what can you do post surgery to optimize results?How do you find the right pelvic floor surgeon?Which questions should you ask the pelvic floor surgeon?What if you can’t afford a pelvic floor specialist or surgeon?“I do see a lot of people after the fact who say “I had surgery for this and then I still have this problem or the problem came back” or “I have another problem and then I had another surgery.” People will chase the problem with surgery or pharmaceuticals and aren’t getting to a root cause.” - Kim VopniResources:Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter Follow Kim Vopni on InstagramBuff Muff AppFree Pelvic Surgery WebinarKim’s Book Your Pelvic FloorStudy on lower back pain and association with pelvic floor issuesWatch the Below the Belt film **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey! More about Kim VopniKim Vopni is a self professed pelvic health evangelist and is known as The Vagina Coach. She is a certified fitness professional who wants to end the suffering associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.She is a published author, a passionate speaker and women’s health educator. Kim is the founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc - a company offering pelvic health programs products and coaching for women in pregnancy, motherhood and menopause. She also co-founded, grew, and sold a company called Bellies Inc where she created the Ab System – a revolutionary birth prep and recovery system for pregnant women. Her annual event Kegels & Cocktails™ has helped hundreds gain knowledge about pelvic health and her Buff Muff app is ensuring everyone knows how to do kegels and actually does them!Kim also certifies other fitness and movement professionals to work with women with core and pelvic floor challenges through her Core Confidence Specialist Certification.You can find her on-line at www.vaginacoach.com and on social media @vaginacoach**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

According to the CDC, overall, the age-adjusted prevalence of osteoporosis among adults aged 50 and over increased from 9.4% in 2007–2008 to 12.6% in 2017–2018 (See this Figure). Osteoporosis prevalence among women increased from 14.0% in 2007–2008 to 19.6% in 2017–2018. And according to this episode’s guest, Dr. Jerilynn Prior, osteoporosis is not something only older women should concern themselves with. It begins in adolescence.Dr. Jerilynn Prior, of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years experience in women’s health.  We discuss the following about bone health.What are the foundations for good bone health?What causes poor bone health and why is bone health important?What are the best vitamins & supplements for bone health? Which forms and doses of them do you need?How are the types of foods you eat connected to bone health?What causes bones to decrease during adolescence and what can you do to strengthen bones in adolescence?Can you reverse bone loss? And is osteoporosis hereditary?Your questions about collagen and medications answered!“It is still not in the textbooks that progesterone increased bone formation. 20% the change in bone over one year was related to the length of the luteal phase. Dietary intake was only 3%.” - Dr. Jerilynn PriorResources:Follow CeMCOR on InstagramCeMCOR Newsletter SignupLearn about Progesterone as a Bone-trophic hormoneLearn about ABCs of Osteoporosis Prevention for Women in MidlifeLearn about Why do I have Osteoporosis? I’m Way too Young!Resources and episodes on Perimenopause & Menopause and sign up for the Perimenopause and Menopause newsletter Resources and episodes on Hormones & Menstrual Health **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!More about Dr. Jerilynn PriorJerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC investigates women’s menstrual cycles, population variability of ovulation and physiological associations of ovulatory disturbances within regular cycles with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer and endometrial cancer risks. She also studies the hormonal and experience changes in perimenopause and treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal hot flushes with progesterone. She is the 2019 recipient of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Aubrey J. Tingle Prize awarded to a “BC clinician scientist whose work in health research is internationally recognized”. She is Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR, since 2002) with its website (www.cemcor.ca) providing practical evidence-based information through a mean of 3,000 page-views/day. She has led the British Columbia Centre of the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) since 1994. In addition to authoring over 200 peer-reviewed papers (H Index 65), Dr. Prior is the author of the award-winning book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause (2005, 2nd ed. 2018), a novel written to inform/empower women with perimenopause information.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

The pelvic floor plays an important role supporting the bowel and bladder (as well as the uterus and vagina in females). Hormone changes due to pregnancy and peri/menopause and other factors can impact their function. Several at-home devices are now on the market to support the pelvic floor, but do they help you? And if so, which is right for you? Enter Dr. Allyson Shrikhande.Dr. Allyson Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. A leading expert on pelvic health and a respected researcher, author and lecturer, Dr. Shrikhande is a recognized authority on male and female pelvic pain diagnosis and treatment. We discuss the following:Do electronic pelvic floor devices work?What are the limitations of at-home pelvic floor devices?How to afford these devicesHow to know if your device is helping or hurtingHow Pelvic Rehabilitation Center is trying to increase access to careWhat does FDA approval for classified medical devices mean?We cover the following pelvic floor-related devices, tools, and exercises.ElviePerifitK-fitFlyteInnovoElitoneThigh master-like devicesJade eggsKegel weights Exercises like yoga, pilates, hypopressives“Listen to your body. If your symptoms are getting better, you are on the right path. Before using these devices, get an evaluation, if you can, by a pelvic floor specialist.” - Dr. Allyson ShrikhandeResources:Resources and episodes on Pelvic Health Follow Pelvic Rehabilitation on Facebook, Instagram and TwitterLearn about Dustienne Miller Yoga and Adriene’s YogaCheck out Yoga for Incontinence and Yoga for Postpartum**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!About Dr. Allyson ShrikhandeDr. Shrikhande, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist, is the Chief Medical Officer of Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine. She is also the Chair of the Medical Education Committee for the International Pelvic Pain Society. Dr. Shrikhande is passionate about this cause and dedicated to helping men and women with pelvic pain who often suffer without anyone willing to listen, understand or find the cause of their pain. That’s why she has traveled the world to work with expert gynecologists, urologists, physiatrists and interventional pain physicians. With an extensive background in mainstream clinical medicine, she also makes use of many alternatives, holistic and homeopathic approaches. She has published peer-reviewed articles on the treatment of muscle pain in academic journals and works closely with renowned pelvic pain gynecologists and urologists. Taking a team approach, she works with specialists in pelvic floor physical therapy, kinetics and movement, as well as acupuncturists, nutritionists, cognitive behavioral therapists and functional medicine physicians. Dr. Allyson Shrikhande currently teaches fall and spring remote courses at the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Dr. Peter Whorwell, author of Take Control of your IBS, directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service and has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders. His unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK. In honor of April’s IBS Awareness Month, dive into IBS and complications around diagnosis and treatment. Given Dr. Whorwell’s book provides a lot of the foundations and is a quick read, we dove into some of the topics he did not go deep into in the book. We do cover some foundations.You will learn this…Challenges with modern medicine impacting IBS diagnosis and how tests don’t solve everythingTypical IBS symptoms and how IBS symptoms are unique from other possible conditionsResearch conducted about endometriosis vs IBSAnother perspective on endo bellyCaution around understanding symptoms, especially around your period versus throughout menstrual cycle so you are not treated for the wrong thingWhy HRT can play a critical role for IBS patients in perimenopause and post menopauseBloating vs distensionGut microbiome and IBS relationshipWhether comprehensive stool analysis is worth itIBS and the impact of fiberWhether laxatives damage the bowel“I can’t cure you, but I can make life better for you. IBS won’t be cured, at least not in my lifetime” - Dr. Peter WhorwellResources:Dr. Peter Whorwell's Book: Take Control of your IBSReview other IBS resourcesResources and episodes on the Gut and Vaginal Microbiome Resources and episodes on Nutrition & Exercise **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!About Dr. Peter WhorwellProfessor Whorwell graduated in biochemistry at the University of London and in medicine at Guy’s Hospital, London. After a series of residencies and fellowships, one of which was in the USA, he was appointed as Consultant Physician and Gastroenterologist at the University Hospital of South Manchester in 1981 and was subsequently promoted to Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology. Over the years he has had a particular interest in the functional gastrointestinal disorders and now directs the South Manchester Functional Bowel Service. This unit undertakes research into the clinical, epidemiological and pathophysiological aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders as well as caring for large numbers of these patients from all over the UK. It also undertakes a wide-ranging programme of research into new treatment options for these conditions including pharmacological, dietary and behavioral approaches.Professor Whorwell has published over 350 papers and chapters in his fields of interest and serves on a number of international advisory panels and working parties.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Why is it important to know when you are ovulating? In this episode, Dr. Jerilynn Prior and Dr. Lara Briden return to the podcast to discuss why ovulation, rather than the period, is the main event of the menstrual cycle. They share how the ovulation phase is crucial to your overall health (not just fertility), and how to address hormonal imbalance. Listen to this interesting discussion where they reveal important health facts women of all ages need to know.  What you’ll learn:What happens hormonally during ovulation? Why is it so important?What is the meaning of ovulation and anovulation?Can you have anovulation with regular periods?Female hormones (estrogen vs progesterone) and how they impact ovulationHow to track ovulation What are the signs that you are not ovulating?How to know if you are making too much estrogenWhat is a normal luteal phase?Can you take birth control as a teenager?*“What matters [for women’s health] is releasing an egg and making progesterone— and making it for long enough to counterbalance the effects of estrogen. [Both] are meant to be coordinated. They have fundamentally different actions on different tissues.” - Dr. Jerilynn PriorRelated to this episode:Resources to support Menstrual Health**Similar episodes on the Spotify Podcast Playlists: Women’s Health Foundations and Menstrual HealthShare the article: Women’s Health and the Ovulation CycleFor Healthcare Providers: Managing Menorrhagia Without Surgery (CeMCOR)Why Is “The Pill” Harmful for Bones in Adolescent Women? (CeMCOR)Follow #RighttoOvulate on InstagramGet Dr. Lara Briden’s Books: Period Repair Manual and Hormone Repair Manual**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Non Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) provides insight into the risk of a fetal genetic abnormality, and can help inform pregnancy management before and after birth. However, the value of genetic screening is dependent on whether results are interpreted correctly, appropriate medical follow-up, and access to relevant resources. Genetic counselors help to ensure that NIPT is translated into better prenatal care. However, many women who receive NIPT do not visit a genetic counselor. In this episode, Jennifer Saucier, board-certified genetic counselor who currently serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Genetic Services at Natera, discusses:What is the difference between carrier screening and prenatal screening and diagnostic testing?Who needs prenatal screening, and what week is prenatal screening?Why should patients ask for these screening tests?Does insurance usually cover NIPT? Carrier screening?The future of screening: Can we test for risk of addiction? Can science lead us to gene editing or alteration and if so, what does this mean?What does a genetic counselor do?How do you find a genetic counselor?That first OB appointment expectant parents have is so overwhelming. Your healthcare provider gives a lot of information in a short period of time. - Jennifer Saucier Resources:Resources and episodes on Pregnancy & Motherhood How to Find a Genetic Counselor**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey! About Jennifer SaucierJennifer Saucier is a board-certified genetic counselor who currently serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Genetic Services at Natera where she oversees a large team of laboratory genetic counselors, telehealth genetic counselors and genetic counseling assistants. Prior to joining Natera, Ms. Saucier gained invaluable experience in all areas of genetic testing (prenatal, pediatrics, cancer and laboratory) working as the sole genetic counselor at a large rural university hospital and later at several maternal fetal medicine offices in Austin, Texas. Ms. Saucier graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Genetics and has a M.S. in Genetic Counseling from The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center. **The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Body Dysmorphic Disorder affects about 1 in 50 people. This means that more than 5 million people to nearly 10 million people in the United States alone have BDD. The body dysmorphia advocacy group, BDD, connected me to Dr. Amita Jassi and Rachel Koutnik, LCSW.In this episode, we cover the following body dysmorphia questions and answers:Body Dysmorphia Definition, including how similar or dissimilar it is to anorexia and bulimiaBody Dysmorphia TestBody Dysmorphia SymptomsBody Dysmorphia and Social MediaHow to help someone with Body DysmorphiaThe relationship to the routines that I had was an issue and nobody caught it. The meaning I made was an issue and nobody caught it. I believed what I believed internally. - Rachel KoutnikResources:Take the Body Dysmorphia QuizFind Body Dysmorphia SupportResources and episodes on Mental Health **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!About Dr. Amita JassiDr Amita Jassi is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the National and Specialist OCD, BDD and Related Disorder Service for Children and Young People (South London and Maudsley NHS Trust). She has worked with this client group since 2006. Amita is the lead for the BDD branch of the service as well as the research lead for the clinic. This is the only specialist service for young people with BDD in the UK. In her clinical role, she develops and delivers individually-tailored treatment packages, including intensive, home-based and inpatient treatment, as well as offering consultation and joint work with clinicians around the country. Amita has taught and trained nationally and internationally on child and adolescent OCD and BDD. She is the author of several books including ‘Appearance Anxiety: a Guide to Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder for Young People, Families and Professionals’ and ‘The Parents’ Guide to Body Dysmorphic Disorder’. She has She has over 35 publications in peer reviewed journals on OCD and BDD and engages in media work to increase awareness and understanding of these conditions. Amita is also a trustee for the BDD Foundation charity.About Rachel KoutnikRachel Koutnik, LCSW is a therapist in private practice in Los Angeles, California. Rachel has been a practicing therapist for 12 years with a background in community counseling with children, adults and families, and emergency room crisis work. She currently works with teens, adults and couples providing outpatient therapy, as well as part time work with adults in an intensive outpatient substance abuse recovery center. Rachel identifies as a wounded healer and has also been in recovery from Body Dysmorphic Disorder and other mental health struggles for the past 20 years. Her own healing journey has led to her integrative approach of evidence based and holistic healing methods.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

PCOS impacts 1 in 10 women yet it is still underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed. Dr. Jerilynn Prior, of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), is a Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of British Columbia, with 40 years experience in women’s health. She brings an interesting perspective to what might happen if we considered PCOS to primarily be a hormone imbalance rather than a disease.In this episode, we cover the following:Difference between ovarian cysts and PCOSWhy PCOS is not the best term to describe the conditionWhat is the main cause of PCOS?What are the first signs of PCOS?What is the diagnostic criteria for PCOS?How having multiple criteria (e.g., Rotterdam and International) for diagnosing PCOS creates confusion leading to multiple cases of delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosisCan PCOS tests be wrong?Can birth control make PCOS worse?Can birth control cause PCOS?Is PCOS genetically inherited?“To me, this is the hopeful message. PCOS is a hormone imbalance, not a disease.” - Dr Jerilynn PriorResources:Resources and episodes on PCOS **Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!More about Dr. Jerilynn PriorJerilynn C. Prior BA, MD, FRCPC investigates women’s menstrual cycles, population variability of ovulation and physiological associations of ovulatory disturbances within regular cycles with osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and breast cancer and endometrial cancer risks. She also studies the hormonal and experience changes in perimenopause and treatment of perimenopausal and menopausal hot flushes with progesterone. She is the 2019 recipient of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Aubrey J. Tingle Prize awarded to a “BC clinician scientist whose work in health research is internationally recognized”. She is Scientific Director of the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR, since 2002) with its website (www.cemcor.ca) providing practical evidence-based information through a mean of 3,000 page-views/day. She has led the British Columbia Centre of the population-based Canadian Multicentre Osteoporosis Study (CaMos) since 1994. In addition to authoring over 200 peer-reviewed papers (H Index 65), Dr. Prior is the author of the award-winning book, Estrogen’s Storm Season: Stories of Perimenopause (2005, 2nd ed. 2018), a novel written to inform/empower women with perimenopause information.**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**

Dr. Nicole E. Williams is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. With the philosophy of marrying both alternative and traditional medicine, Dr. Williams opened The Gynecology Institute of Chicago in July 2013 and recently published This is How You Vagina.In this episode, we cover the following:Tour of female body parts and misconceptions about the female bodyVaginal odor: what is normal and when to see a doctorSitz bath benefits and how it differs from vaginal steam and douchingYeast infection symptoms and treatmentsHow your vagina changes during pregnancy, after birth and in menopauseTips for which lubricant is best and probiotics for women“There is no such thing as a pretty labia. There is what an ideal might be. We now know that most of the pictures in textbooks of women’s labia, thanks to Dr. Netter, picture them as small, which is not the case at all for almost every human female. ” - Dr. Nicole WilliamsResources:This is How You Vagina bookWomen’s Health Foundations Spotify Podcast PlaylistCurated products to support your specific needs**Top 50 Health Podcast of 2024** Want men to better understand how to you during your menopause journey! Tell us what you want them to know.If you're passionate about advancing women's health, there are many ways you can support and stay in touch with Fempower Health. Here's how:Subscribe and Listen: Tune in to new episodes every Tuesday by subscribing to the Fempower Health Podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your regular listenership is invaluable!Leave a Review: Help us grow by leaving a review on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover our podcast.Share with Others: Spread the word by sharing episodes with friends, family, or anyone interested in women's health. Every share helps!Engage in Discussions: Join the Fempower Health Women's Health Community. Learn more here. Find Us on Social: Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, YouTube, for the latest updates and engaging content. Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest announcements, news, and research directly in your inbox.Reach Out: We love hearing from you! Reach out for inquiries, outreach, or even to share your questions and topics of interest.Together, let's build a stronger community dedicated to women's health. Your support is crucial in this journey!**The information shared by Fempower Health is not medical advice but for informational purposes to enable you to have more effective conversations with your doctor.  Always talk to your doctor before making health-related decisions. Additionally, the views expressed by the Fempower Health podcast guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent.****May contain affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links**